Coves, tapas, and water toys, in one half-day. On a private sail from Can Pastilla, I love the mix of snorkeling set fun and paddle surf, plus the careful, friendly captain vibe you can get from skippers like Fran. You get a day that feels both active and relaxed, with time to swim first and eat once you are warm and happy.

One thing to consider: at $930 per group (up to 12), this is best when you can fill the group. If you come with just one or two people, the per-person price can jump fast compared to shared boat trips.

Key highlights worth knowing

• Cala Blava for a quick, refreshing swim (about 30 minutes), where you can snorkel and try paddle surf
• Cala Vella for the full lunch break (about 1 hour), with tapas-style food and drinks
• Watertoys on board, plus a snorkeling set and paddle surf included
• A mattress-lined sailboat, made for comfortable sunbathing between swim stops
• Private group feel, with relaxed pacing and space to spread out, from captains like Miguel and Martin

Private sailing from La Mejillonera, and why it feels personal

This is a private sailing boat trip based out of the harbor area at La Mejillonera (meet at the restaurant entrance). That matters because you are not one more ticket in a crowd. It also helps the crew keep the pace right for your group, including the plan to return to port sailing whenever possible.

You will have two departure options. The morning trip meets at 09:45, and there is also an afternoon departure at 15:45. Either way, the day is built around two coves, not constant sailing, so you are spending your time where the water is the star.

What I like most is how the boat setup supports the vibe. The sailboat has mattresses along it, so sunbathing is actually comfortable, not just something you do standing in the sun. And since the trip includes the water activities, you are not spending your whole day switching gear and hunting for equipment.

Cala Blava: your first swim stop and the 30-minute “go time”

After you head out from the Can Pastilla yacht club area, the first stop is Cala Blava. You get about 30 minutes here, which is short enough to keep things energetic, but long enough to swim, snorkel, and decide if you want to try paddle surf.

This first stop is ideal if you like a quick hit of swimming without committing to a long underwater session. It is also where many people get warmed up for the rest of the trip, because you can go at your own pace. If you are bringing kids or you have someone in your group who is curious but not sure about snorkeling, this is a friendly start: you can float, paddle, and get comfortable with the setup.

One practical consideration: 30 minutes can feel fast if your group spends all the time getting the snorkeling set on and off. If you want to make the most of it, do a quick gear check right when you arrive at the cove, then spend your time in the water, not sorting equipment.

Cala Vella: lunch, drinks, and a full hour in the water

The second stop is Cala Vella, and this is where the trip shifts from “swim and play” to “eat and relax.” You will have about one hour here, and the food service is built into the stop, so you do not have to wait around on the boat after swimming.

Food is served in a tapas-style format. From what is included, you can expect items like Spanish tapas, slices of pizza, and Spanish omelette. Drinks are also part of the included meal plan, with options like soft drinks, beer, sangria, and wine.

This is a smart way to do lunch. Instead of a heavy sit-down meal, tapas-style food fits the pace of a sailing day. You can eat what you want when you want, then get back in the water if you still feel like it.

A small drawback to be aware of: the water activities and the meal are connected to the cove stop, so if your group wants to linger on the boat or swim late, you may feel the schedule. It is not a problem, just something to plan around with your group’s energy level.

Snorkeling set, paddle surf, and how the boat supports both

Included in the trip are a snorkeling set and paddle surf. That is a big deal for value, because gear and guided time can add up quickly on the island.

Also, the reviews underline that the activities are set up so you can use them without needing fancy prep. One nice detail from feedback: a group that did not speak Spanish beyond a few basic words still felt fine during the trip. That suggests the crew keeps instructions simple and hands-on, which is exactly what you want on a water day.

The sailboat layout helps too. With mattresses along the boat, you can rest comfortably between stops. This matters more than people think. When the day is anchored in coves, you will likely spend time soaking up sun, drying off, and resetting, and a comfortable boat makes that part enjoyable instead of annoying.

If you are new to paddle surf, plan for a little trial-and-error. The included watertoys mean you can try it early at Cala Blava, but do not stress if you only manage a short glide at first. The point is fun on the water, not a performance test.

Sailing time, dolphin spotting, and the relaxed tone on board

Even with stops planned, you are still on a sailing boat, so expect gentle movement and plenty of time to take in the coves from the deck. The overall tone from the feedback is relaxed, with a small-group feel that gives you space for sunbathing and not feeling packed in.

One standout memory from reviews is the way captains actively look for wildlife. A staff member named Martin spotted a dolphin on the route back, and that kind of moment is why this style of trip works better than a fast ferry ride. It is not guaranteed, but the crew seems alert and engaged.

This trip also seems to work well for celebrations. A reviewer described it as a great way to celebrate a friend’s birthday, with the skipper and staff taking care of the group and making the aperitif part feel special.

Price and value: how $930 per group makes sense

The price is $930 per group, up to 12 people. That can sound steep if you compare it to solo activities, but it is a private half-day boat charter experience, with included snorkeling gear and paddle surf, plus food and drinks.

Here is a useful way to think about the cost. If you fill the boat with the maximum group size, the price works out to about $77.50 per person. If you have fewer people, your per-person cost goes up, and the value depends on whether you will all actually use the water toys and eat the included lunch.

So the best value strategy is simple: book with friends, family, or a small group that can realistically reach the upper end. The experience also prohibits party groups, so it is not designed for big nightlife energy. The vibe is more about swimming, sunbathing, and good food together.

If you are two couples or a mixed group of friends who can coordinate, this is the kind of private trip that feels worth it. If you are traveling as a solo or a pair, you might decide to look for shared alternatives elsewhere in the area, unless you really want the privacy.

Who should book this, and who might reconsider

This is a solid match for:

• Couples and small groups who want a private sailing plan with two swim stops
• Families with kids old enough to handle snorkeling equipment and paddle surf time safely
• Anyone who wants included food and drinks without planning lunch separately

It is not a match for everyone. The trip is not allowed for party groups. It also is not suitable for babies under 1 year and people over 95 years, based on the activity rules.

Also, pick it if you are comfortable being on a boat for a 4-hour outing with cove stops. If your idea of vacation is mostly land time, you might find the schedule a bit water-heavy.

Language is Spanish for the instructor. Based on feedback, the experience can still work well even if you only know a few words, since the crew can guide you with practical instruction and the activities are hands-on. Still, if you need very detailed explanations in your own language, keep that in mind.

Practical tips to make your day smoother

A few small choices can make the trip feel easier.

Plan your swim gear mindset. You are doing an active day. Bring swimwear you are happy to get sandy and salty. If you wear sunscreen, choose one that you are comfortable reapplying after swimming.

Arrive on time for La Mejillonera. The meeting point is at the restaurant entrance in the harbor area. The trip is time-based, with the first stop happening quickly, so arriving late can compress your fun.

Decide early on the order of activities. If you want snorkeling and paddle surf, do a first attempt at Cala Blava so you are not tired later in the day. At Cala Vella, focus on lunch and one more water round if you still want it.

Know what drinks are included. The meal includes soft drinks, beer, sangria, and wine. Cocktails are not included, so if cocktails are your thing, plan for extra cost or go with the included options.

Keep expectations realistic about time. Two coves, 30 minutes and about one hour, then sailing back. This is a half-day structure, not an all-day island crawl.

Should you book this Can Pastilla sailing trip?

Book it if you want a private Can Pastilla-area sailing day built around actual water time, with included snorkeling and paddle surf, and a lunch that is already taken care of with tapas-style food and drinks at Cala Vella. The mattress-lined deck and the small, relaxed feel are exactly what make it feel like an outing, not a chore.

Skip it or think twice if your group is very small. At $930 per group, the best value happens when you split the cost across more people and everyone in your group will use the included activities. Also consider your group’s comfort level with time on the water.

If that sounds like you, this is the kind of trip that turns a simple coastal day into a memorable, low-stress mini vacation.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at the restaurant La Mejillonera, at the entrance of the harbor.

What time does the trip start?

The morning departure meets at 09:45, and there is also an afternoon departure at 15:45.

How long is the sailing trip?

The total duration is 4 hours.

Which coves do you visit?

You head toward Cala Blava for a swim stop, then continue to Cala Vella for the main stop with food and time in the water.

What water activities are included?

A snorkeling set and paddle surf are included.

What food and drinks are served during the trip?

At Cala Vella, lunch is served tapas-style and includes items like Spanish tapas, pizza slices, and Spanish omelette. Drinks included with lunch are soft drinks, beer, sangria, and wine.

Are cocktails included?

Cocktails are not included.

Is this a private group trip, and what is the max size?

Yes, it is a private group. The group price is for up to 12 people.

Are there age restrictions?

It is not suitable for babies under 1 year, and it is not suitable for people over 95 years.

What booking flexibility do I have?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later (pay nothing today).